THE Upper Hunter could benefit from a $1 billion fund for local water infrastructure, Premier Gladys Berejiklian will announce.

The state government will be in Singleton for a community cabinet on Thursday, and will announce that a Scone Water Treatment program is among eight projects shortlisted to share in funds from a safe and secure water program to be announced in next week’s state budget.

The government says the program will prioritise “key water infrastructure projects” such as local drought backup systems or new and upgraded dams to secure water supplies.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the program would help deliver “critical local water and waste water infrastructure … in the state”.

“Through our asset recycling program and sound financial management, this government has delivered the funding for a stronger regional NSW through our safe and secure water program,” she said.

The government also confirmed $1.5 million for the Scone to Murrurundi pipeline as part of the regional waste water and backlog water program.